Sherry Wang

Illustration

1st Term

Welcome to Art Center. What has surprised you the most during your first few weeks here? Where do I begin? The school is open 24/7, the campus is practically filled with deer, and you park your car in the Sculpture Garden when the parking lot is full. But what I found most entertaining is the shower room. I suppose this shows how demanding Art Center truly is, if people take showers here. But at least it's a student-friendly facility!

You started off studying business. How did you decide to pursue illustration instead?While idly browsing art galleries in Beijing, I met the manager of Primo Marella, Michela Sena.Â We spoke of my interest in illustration, and I showed her my portfolio. She was very encouraging and suggested I attend art school. I applied to Art Center just days after returning home to L.A. I will always remember what Michela told me: "Anybody can do business, but not just anyone can do art. Art is a true talent, a gift."

What advice would you give a friend who was thinking about coming to Art Center?
Be fully prepared to have school become your number one priority. Like a romantic relationship, Art Center can be demanding, challenging, costly, frustrating and rewardingâall at the same time.

What's the most challenging aspect of studying art in general, especially at Art Center?
As art and design students, we come to art school hoping to further train our skills and broaden our views; it is a constant personal battle to improve your work. It is even more difficult at Art Center because of all the exceptionally talented peers around you. So not only do you have to work towards bettering your work, but also accomplish the process with incredible competition.

When you are not in school or studying, what do you like to do around L.A. or Pasadena? I love visiting art museums during my free time. L.A. is such a metropolitan city, I urge everyone to take full advantage of all the world-class art venues available to us.

Tell us something about yourself that people would find surprising.
I pour milk in my ramen!